Interpreter

The Cultural History Interpretation Specialist develops and facilitates social studies education, public history, and interpretation programs and products related to the cultural history found in the Charleston County Park and Recreation (CCPRC) system focused on McLeod Plantation Historic Site. Responsible for the customer experience to ensure exceptional customer satisfaction. This includes delivering services to the public that are of great interest, value and quality, well publicized, reasonably accessible and adheres to safety standards. Requires evening, weekend and holiday work, and “On call” status for emergency situations. Eligible to work in a hybrid environment with prior approval.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Specialized Duties and Responsibilities

Researches the cultural and natural history of the region and CCPRC properties including McLeod Plantation Historic Site (MPHS), developing and executing social studies education and cultural history interpretive programs and products at this site as well as other sites. Assists with the implementation of other interpretation programs. Assists in designing and updating content for interpretive exhibits and products. Assists with resource stewardship efforts, including archeology, collection of oral histories, with an MPHS focus. Assists with the education of the public and staff about the preservation and conservation of cultural resources in the county park system. Builds and maintains healthy professional relationships and partnerships with various individuals and groups as appropriate, e.g. educational and government institutions, affiliated associations, faith-based organizations, community groups, civic groups, businesses, non-profits, industry professionals, subject matter experts, citizens and others. Maintains relationships with stakeholders, including MPHS descendant communities.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Participates in the creation of long and short-term interpretation goals especially for agency’s flagship history parks. Maintains interpretive program materials inventory. Ensures that all programs and events are planned and executed in a way that protects the natural and cultural resources (artifacts, historic buildings, structures, graves, etc.), and environmental quality of county park facilities.

• Assists with and participates in the recruitment, selection, training, and evaluation of part time personnel, and volunteers.

• Delivers exceptional customer service by responding to public inquiries, suggestions, complaints, and requests regarding the agency's programs and events offered.

• Represents the agency in a highly professional manner through presentations, business meetings, and other business interactions.

• Contributes to the strategic planning process. This includes evaluating, researching, providing input and developing goals and objectives related to historical interpretive programs for the agency.

• Assists in the budget preparation of the Cultural History Interpretation area of the Recreation division, complies with budget restrictions and provides input regarding revenue opportunities while controlling expenses.

• Participates in the execution and monitoring of the safety training, procedures, records, inspections and incident reports for the Interpretation and Stewardship area to ensure compliance with ADA. OSHA, and other regulatory bodies. Participates the proper implementation of certain aspects of the agency Emergency Action Plan (EAP).

• Maintains affiliations and certifications with appropriate professional organizations including the South Carolina Recreation and Park Association, National Recreation and Park Association, and others in accordance with this position's duties.

• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Education and Work Experience Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from a college or university in Interpretation, History, Education, or a related field with three years’ experience is preferred. This may be offset by an associate's degree required plus four years’ experience or high school diploma or GED and six years total experience required. Supervisory experience preferred. First Aid/CPR preferred. SC DOT Emergency Medical Responder preferred. Must pass a drug test and criminal background check and shall possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.

• General knowledge of park and recreation administration, sufficient formal and philosophical background in Interpretation, History, and Pedagogy and sufficient knowledge of and appreciation of the local environment and its cultural resources.

• Sufficient knowledge of the cultural and natural history of Charleston and in the fields of Interpretation and Education. Sufficient experience working with area cultural history, and education professionals in developing, supervising, and executing programs, and coordinating historical and archeological research.

• Sufficient knowledge of safety regulations and personal protection equipment. General experience in training staff on various equipment and vehicles.

• General experience in interacting effectively with agency officials, elected officials, contractors, inspectors, and vendors.

• Sufficient experience in using Microsoft and other common office technology hardware and software to perform job functions.

• Sufficient experience in actively listening and expressing ideas clearly and concisely, in oral and written form, to small groups.

• Sufficient experience in recognizing, researching, analyzing and solving problems both independently and within teams.

• General experience in recruiting, interviewing and hiring qualified candidates, and developing employees and volunteers through supervising, mentoring, evaluating, and performance improvement.

• Sufficient experience in establishing and maintaining harmonious working relationships with fellow employees and dealing courteously and effectively with the public.

• Sufficient experience in providing outstanding customer service, internally and externally.

• General knowledge of fiscal management and in applying and monitoring annual budgets.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

This working position requires frequently moving and remaining stationary in an office environment; frequently moving and remaining stationary in indoor park facilities; frequently moving and remaining stationary outdoors; frequently traversing outside terrain such as concrete, pavement, grass, dirt, mud, gravel, and sand; frequently writing, reading, processing and moving documents; frequently operating equipment such as computers, copiers, printers, and scanners; frequently communicating with staff and the public in person, online, and by phone; frequently traveling to central and remote locations throughout Charleston County; frequently operating vehicles such as cars and trucks; frequent exposure to extreme weather conditions such as heat, cold, precipitation, wind, sunlight and humidity; frequently moving, lifting, and transporting equipment and miscellaneous items weighing up to 25 pounds and to height of 5-6 feet.

Benefits working at CCPRC

Along with competitive pay, we offer some pretty terrific benefits including:

• Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

• Optional Life and Disability Insurance

• Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts

• Annual and Sick Leave

• 13 Paid Holidays

• Paid Parental Leave

• South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan - Both agency and employee contribute to the plan

• Optional Deferred Compensation Program - Employer Matching Funds Program Available

• Longevity Pay Increases

• Optional Federal Credit Union Membership

• Tuition Reimbursement Program

• Professional and Skill Development Training

• Employee Assistance and Wellness Program with free annual onsite screenings

• Free admission to all of our parks and facilities including beaches and all three waterparks

• Free admission to a variety of special events

• Discounts on food, beverage, and gift shop items

• Free beach chair, umbrella, pedal boat and bike rentals

• A Charleston County Parks employee ID also opens doors for you for free admission at more than 25 participating attractions around town

Learn more about Charleston County Parks & Recreation Commission benefits by visiting our benefits page linked below!

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